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  Home > JCE Print > Journal of Chemical Education > Issues > 2008  > September  >
In the Laboratory
Cost-Effective Teacher
A Non-Mercury Thermometer Alternative for Use in Older Melting Point Apparatuses
Lois K. Ongley, Clayton S. Kern, and Barry W. Woods
Unity College, Unity, ME 04988
Cover
September 2008
Vol. 85 No. 9
p. 1263

Abstract
The State of Maine seeks to eliminate most mercury use. This includes removing mercury thermometers from secondary schools and discouraging Hg use in other educational institutions. Alternatives to mercury thermometers in chemical laboratory work include non-mercury thermometers, temperature probes, and thermocouples. In organic chemistry mercury thermometers are commonly used in melting temperature apparatuses such as Mel-Temp instruments. The melting point temperatures of six organic compounds measured with a calibrated thermocouple were not statistically different from published melting points. Lab-calibrated thermocouples are statistically accurate and economically reasonable substitute for mercury thermometers to measure the melting point temperature for organic compounds in older Mel-Temp devices.
More Information
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Citation
Ongley, Lois K.; Kern, Clayton S.; Woods, Barry W. J. Chem. Educ. 2008, 85, 1263.
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Keywords
Calibration; First-Year Undergraduate / General; Hands-On Learning / Manipulatives; High School / Introductory Chemistry; Laboratory Equipment / Apparatus; Laboratory Instruction; Mercury; Molecular Properties / Structure; Physical Properties; Safety / Hazards; Second-Year Undergraduate
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History
Created:
Last Updated:
8/4/2008
8/4/2008
 Caution! 
Experiments, laboratory exercises, lecture demonstrations, and other descriptions of the use of chemicals, apparatus, instruments, computers, and computer interfaces are presented in the Journal of Chemical Education as illustrative of new or improved ideas or concepts in chemistry instruction and are directed at qualified teachers. Although every effort is made to assure and encourage safe practices and safe use of chemicals, the Journal of Chemical Education cannot assume responsibility for uses made of its published materials. Many chemicals are hazardous. Precautions for the safe use of hazardous chemicals and directions for their proper disposal are described in the Material Safety Data Sheets and on the labels. We strongly urge all those planning to use materials from our pages to make choices and to develop procedures for laboratory and classroom safety in accordance with local needs and situations.
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